CRISTIANO RONALDO
Former Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo discusses Lionel Messi rivalry and Inter Miami move
Ronaldo and Messi have won 12 Ballons d’Or between them and were fierce rivals while at Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Former Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has given his thoughts on his rivalry with Inter Miami playmaker Lionel Messi, which he says is no longer. As has been the case several times in the recent past, the Al Nassr attacker again played down suggestions of any animosity between the pair.
Ronaldo rivalry with Messi “over”
Speaking at a press conference in Lisbon before Portugal travel to Slovakia for a Euro 2024 qualifying match, Ronaldo said he believed his rivalry with the Argentina captain was “good, the fans liked it”, but that now “it’s over”. But while the duo “respect each other”, there is no friendship to speak of.
“We’ve shared the same stage for 15 years and although I wouldn’t go as far as saying we’re friends, we’ve never had dinner together, we are professional colleagues who respect each other”, said the 38-year-old. Fans of Ronaldo and Messi have gone up against each for years, endlessly debating the merits of who is the superior player, which the Portuguese icon was keen to play down.
Ronaldo fans “dont have to hate Messi”
“People who are fans of Cristiano don’t have to hate Messi”, the Portuguese icon claimed. “We’re two very good players who have changed the history of soccer. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing”.
The ex-Manchester United man also stated that Messi “is doing well” at Inter Miami, from what he has seen for far, and that although the pair are no longer rivals, their “legacy continues”.